HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6227

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

February 28, 2010

Title: An act relating to permitting regularly enrolled students in a prescribed course of opticianry to practice under supervision without registering as an apprentice with the department of health.

Brief Description: Concerning the practice of opticianry.

Sponsors: Senators Becker, Marr, Parlette and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Health Care & Wellness: 2/18/10, 2/23/10 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/28/10, 96-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows students in an opticianry program to practice opticianry without a license as long as such practice is part of his or her education program.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Driscoll, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Campbell, Clibborn, Green, Herrera, Hinkle, Kelley, Moeller, Morrell and Pedersen.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A licensed dispensing optician is a person who:

A person qualifies for licensure as a dispensing optician if he or she:

There are no statutory provisions allowing a student studying opticianry in a college or university to participate in a practicum without a license. Such students must therefore designate themselves as apprentices in order to complete these requirements.

Summary of Bill:

A regularly enrolled student in a prescribed course in opticianry in a college or university approved by the Secretary may practice opticianry without a license as long as the practice is pursuant to a regular course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and as long as the student is supervised by a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. A person practicing in this manner must be clearly identified as a student.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill will make it easier to move from one program to another without incurring cost. The stakeholders are all in agreement regarding this bill.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Becker, prime sponsor; and Lisa Thatcher, Optician's Association of Washington.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.